US Reveals Major North Korean Military Presence in Russia as Zelenskyy Questions China’s Stance

Recently in a historical revelation by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken information was released that there are about 10000 North Korean soldiers in Russia with 8000 in the Kursk region. This came in a press briefing attended by US and South Korea’s defense chiefs and raised concerns of deepening international entrenchment in the conflict.

North Korean Military Deployment and US Response

According to the sources, the analysis of how the US Intelligence evaluates the relations between Russia and North Korea reveals that Russia has been training North Korean forces in artillery practice, UAV operations, and basic infantry drills. Though these troops have not fought the Ukrainians directly, Blinken expects these troops will be committed to combat in the next few days, which already changed dramatically the balance of forces in this war.

Secretary Blinken was particularly scathing about Russia’s decision to appeal for help from North Korea, deeming it a sign of weakness. He especially offensively claimed that Russian President Putin is taking Russians as ‘meat in a grinder’ which implies that the act of recruiting North Korean troops is a result of the inability of Russia to sustain a competent fighting force on its own.

Ukraine’s Stance and Call for Asian Security Alliance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about it by pointing to the preemptive measures used by his country regarding potential threats in Northern Ukraine near Sumy. He stressed that North Korea’s participation is not just a coincidence but rather a part of a strategic plan; therefore there is more to this than the security of the region.

Zelenskyy also singled out China in his comments, noting that the country has said little on the issue despite being one of the region’s protectors. He discussed creating an Asian Security Alliance, where Japan and South Korea will cooperate, at the same time stressing the need to deal with China, as for the intent of North Korea’s actions and the threat it poses to the Far Eastern states, and the world in general.

Also Read | National Unity Day Address: PM Modi’s Message Against ‘Urban Naxals’ and for Social Harmony